OTHER CEREMONY IDEAS:

INVOLVING THE MOTHERS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM:

Sometimes couples which a special recognition to their mothers - such as giving them a rose each on the exit. They also may read something special, light the unity candles at the beginning - or at the time of the unity candles (lighting the other candle - see below). In some ceremonies with step-parents this may not be appropriate.
 

UNITY CANDLES - Mothers of Bride and Groom:

If the outer unity candles are first lit by the mother of the Bride and of the Groom (when each is first escorted forward), it may be appropriate to add:

"The outer candles represent the light of your separate lives before today. It is appropriate that the mother of the Bride and the mother of the Groom each lit these candles as it is from these from which the light of your life first shown forth..."
 

ROSE CEREMONY - Roses for the mothers:

If adding the Rose ceremony to the marriage ceremony, couples will often stop on their exit and hand the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom each their Rose, whispering "I love you" before proceeding with their exit.
 

  INVOLVING GUESTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

Asking for acceptance by guests and family members:

(Some couples wish to involve guests and family members in an active and positive sense in the ceremony itself. This is one popular way and text. You may write your own or alter the wording. The officiant steps to the side and addresses those in attendance.)

"As the family and friends of ________________ and ___________________, you are here to express your love, hope and joy for this occasion. If you truly love _________________ and __________________, you will never do anything to hinder their marriage, never speak against either spouse, and support the marriage through the good times and the hard times. Will your accept and support this marriage? If so, answer "WE WILL".
 

New Parent's vow to children:

If the marriage ceremony involves minor children coming into the family, sometimes the new parent will state a vow also the child(ren). He/she will address the child(ren) by name and then state a short vow accepting the child(ren) as their own and making a commitment to them. A new parent's vow to the children is NOT required and you may change the wording if you decide to make such a vow.)

"(State child(ren) name(s), "___________, I promise to accept and love you as my own child(ren) and to protect and love you all of my life. I promise to do my best to guide and support you - and to respect you enough to allow you to see the world through your own eyes."
 

Involving others in ceremony itself:

Having family members and friends participate in the marriage ceremony adds much to personalize the ceremony and bring it to life. You are welcome to have friends or family member step forward for any reading, a poem, to read a bible verse or say a prayer or blessing.

Selecting other materials:

You are invited to add any materials to the ceremony. This may be a favorite poem, something you have written yourself, or a reading you wish to add. The ceremonies suggest locations for additional materials - or call us if you wish to discuss ideas. You also may add a special song during the ceremony as well.